According
to a study conducted by a group of researchers, tea is one of the most consumed
beverages in the world, next to water.
Green tea, the most famous type of tea, is
consumed mainly in Asian countries like India, Korea, China, and Japan. Its
therapeutic and healing properties have made it a popular beverage across other
countries as well.
The
health benefits offered by green tea have no comparison with other types of tea
such as herbal, white and black tea. Its medicinal benefits not only treat
physical ailments but also cure mental health issues.
As
stated by Nadine Taylor in her book, “ Green
Tea: The Natural Secret for a healthier life”, it has been used as a
medicine in China for at least 4000 years.
Green tea is unfermented and prepared without
any additives during the process of oxidation which makes it the least
processed type of tea.
What does Green tea contain?
The
chemical composition of green tea contains a rich amount of antioxidants and
polyphenols. The main polyphenols present in green tea are flavonoids such as:
Catechins
Epigallocatechin
Epicatechin
Epicatechin
gallate
Epigallocatechin
gallate
Green
tea buds and leaves are rich in these compounds that aid in digestion and
weight loss. Dried green tea leaves consist of up to 8-12% of polyphenols that
control high blood pressure levels, leading to proper blood circulation.
The
presence of healthful compounds provide excessive health benefits as mentioned
below:
Major Health benefits of chemical
compounds
The
higher concentration of antioxidants and catechins inhibits the growth of
deadly diseases in the human body. EGCG present in green tea extract not only
obstructs the growth of cancer cells but also kills them without causing any
harm to the healthy tissue.
Epigallocatechin
gallate (EGCG) is also effective in lowering cholesterol levels and blood clots
formation in the body. Lipid levels and platelet aggregation can also be
regulated with the help of this healthy compound.
Polyphenols
are natural compounds that reduce chronic inflammation and blood sugar levels.
They also stop the formation of free radicals, preventing cells and molecules
from destruction.
Anti-cancer properties
EGCG,
which is the major component of green tea, reduces the production of cancerous
cells. The molecular mechanism of this active compound has a chemopreventive
effect on the human body.
In
countries where green tea is consumed on a daily basis have shown
cancer-protective effects on the overall population. Cancer rates are very low
in countries such as Japan where people regularly consume green tea.
Several
clinical studies have depicted that EGCG and catechins play a significant role
in the prevention of cancer. The tumor growth gets suppressed by these
bioactive compounds if the regular intake of green tea is maintained.
Green tea also protects against:
Breast cancer- As per the observational studies conducted,
there was almost a reduction of about 20-30% of developing breast cancer in
women who routinely consumed green tea.
Lung cancer- According to Hirofumi
Tachibana’s team at Kyushu University in Japan, the growth of human lung cancer
cells that contain a cell receptor called 67LR, was lowered significantly after
taking two or three cups of green tea.
Prostate Cancer: With its medicinal
properties, the development of prostate cancer lowers considerably in men.
Other
cancers such as bladder, ovarian, colorectal, stomach, skin and esophageal can
also be controlled with green tea consumption.
Prevents Cardiovascular diseases
The
production of abnormal blood clots is the major cause of heart attacks and
stroke. But, the consistent intake of green tea reduces the risk of
cardiovascular diseases. The polyphenolic compounds prepare the body to fight
against heart diseases.
One
study reported that people who drink green tea have up to 31% lower risk of
dying from cardiovascular problems.
Clinical
studies also indicate that the antioxidant properties of green tea prevent
coronary artery disease.
In a
study conducted among 240 men and women (approx 55 years), the high LDL
cholesterol levels were reduced by up to 15% who consumed green tea with their
meals.
And,
when cholesterol levels are maintained, the danger of getting affected by
coronary heart disease lowers to a great extent.
Effective against skin disorders
Due
to the anti-inflammatory properties of green tea, ultraviolet radiation does
not harm skin cells. EGCG reactivates epidermis cells and protects the skin
from rashes and infections.
Many pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies have started using green tea extract in their products due to its skin-friendly components.
Aids in weight loss
Catechins
in green tea are natural antioxidants that boost metabolism, contributing to
weight loss. Researchers observed that men who consumed caffeine and green tea
burned more calories than those who only took caffeine or a placebo.
There
was a significant reduction in belly fat too because of high concentrations of
polyphenols.
The
addition of green tea pills or powder to your daily diet can help you achieve
your fitness goals like no other natural product.
Controls diabetes
The
epidemiological evidence suggests that drinking green tea may help prevent
diabetes. It helps in controlling blood sugar levels in the body. Regular
consumption of green tea also slows down the progression of type 1 and type 2
diabetes. EGCG increases insulin sensitivity and repairs damaged beta cells.
One
of the studies on Japanese individuals showed that people who drank green tea
consistently had up to 42% lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
Other significant benefits:
● Improves cognitive function
● Protects against Parkinson’s
and Alzheimer’s diseases
● Prevents tooth decay
● Boosts immunity
Green
tea has a significant place in traditional and modern science communities. It
is widely consumed throughout the world for its anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant activities. It also alters the brain aging process while improving
cognitive memory. Nutravo’s green tea extract has thermogenic properties that
boost metabolic rate and keep diseases away for a much longer period of time.
So next time you start your day with a cup of coffee
to get rejuvenated, know that there’s this herbal elixir which can work wonders
on your body. Are you ready to make Green Tea your go-to morning drink?
